The Sony Xperia ZR is a lower-end variant of the popular Sony Xperia Z, which doesn't compromise a lot on features. It sports a 4.55-inch display with HD resolution and 319ppi pixel density. It runs on Android 4.1, now upgradeable to Android 4.3. A KitKat update is in the pipeline. It is powered by a 1.5GHz Quad-core Snapdragon processor supported by an Adreno 320 GPU and 2GB of RAM.

Camera and Storage

The Sony Xperia ZR packs in a 13MP Autofocus camera with LED Flash. It also has a VGA front camera for video calling. The camera features an Exmor RS Sensor for HDR images. The main attraction of Sony Xperia ZR is the capability to shoot photos and full HD videos underwater for 30 minutes at a stretch.

Sony Xperia ZR is certified with IP55/IP58 rating, an upgrade over the Sony Xperia Z. It can survive in 1.5 meters of water depth for 30 minutes. Additionally, its screen is protected with Dustproof, scratchproof and shatterproof coating.

Verdict

If you're an adventure freak or spend most of your time outdoors, the Xperia ZR is an affordable option. If offers similar features of the Xperia Z at a lower price tag.

4 Expert Reviews for Sony Xperia ZR

Recent Expert Reviews

GSMArena team

Sony Xperia ZR review: Ready to dare

★★★★★

★★★★★

30 Jul 2013 | gsmarena

Squeezing your flagship smartphone in a tinier, sportier shell is the fad in Android these days. Not the one to blindly follow the pack, Sony has chosen to do things differently. The Xperia ZR didn`t get as far down as the Galaxy S4 mini and the One mini, and got a 4.55" display rather than a 4.3" diagonal. However, unlike its HTC and Samsung rivals, the Sony Xperia ZR is keen to match the oomph of its flagship, offering better IP protection at t...

Verdict: It should be obvious by this point that the Sony Xperia ZR is not just another shrink-to-fit exercise like most of them minis. Instead of focusing on size, Sony chose to put the specs first, take it from there and see how compact it can get. The resu...

Ross Catanzariti

Sony Xperia ZR Android phone (preview)

★★★★★

★★★★★

14 May 2013 | goodgearguide

If you`re annoyed by the trend of huge smartphones, the Sony Xperia ZR should be right up your alley. It`s a smaller version of the flagship Xperia Z but it offers much of the same features and functions including water and dust resistance....

Pros: Water and dust resistant,Camera works underwater,Compact design,

Cons: A little thick,No real wow factor,No word on AU release,

Alex Todd

Sony Xperia ZR Review: First Look

★★★★★

★★★★★

13 May 2013 | recombu

What happens when you blend two of Sony’s latest handsets and throw the result in a swimming pool? You get the newly announced Sony Xperia ZR – Sony’s new Android smartphone, aiming to offer a balance of high-performance, design and waterproofing thrown in for good measure. The Xperia ZR looks more Xperia Z than Xperia SP with a greater emphasis on the company’s most recent OmniBalance design direction. The hallmarks are a...